ATIKOKAN – An Atikokan man has been fined $3,000 for careless hunting. Marc Caron pleaded guilty and was fined $3,000 for discharging a firearm without reasonable consideration for people or property.
He is not allowed to hunt in Ontario for two years and must successfully complete the Ontario Hunter Education Course before being allowed to hunt in the province again.
Court heard that on October 26, 2014, conservation officers placed stationary moose decoys on the travelled portion of Sapawe Road – a maintained and well-travelled forest resource access corridor near Atikokan. The decoys were set up in response to complaints of moose being shot on roadways, a practice that is illegal and places the public using those roads at risk. During the time the decoys were used, officers monitored and controlled traffic on the road to ensure public safety.
An officer saw Caron park his truck on the road, get out and shoot at the decoys four times from the road. He shot in the direction of a blind corner where he could not see oncoming traffic.
Justice of the Peace Marcel Donio heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Atikokan, on January 29, 2015.
The ministry reminds hunters that it is unlawful to discharge a firearm down, from or across a road.
To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
